Pallet Town, usually a quiet and peaceful place, was currently overflowing with an unprecedented festive atmosphere. Colorful ribbons and balloons lined the streets, and the townspeople all wore smiles of shared pride.
The news of Ash winning the Indigo Plateau Conference had already spread to every corner of his hometown.
When Ash appeared at the town's entrance, the waiting crowd erupted into a thunderous cheer.
Aunt Delia was the first to rush forward, hugging her son tightly. Tears streamed down her facetears of pride and joy.
Professor Oak clapped Ash firmly on the shoulder, saying repeatedly, "Good lad! Brilliant job! I knew you could do it!"
A grand victory feast was held in the central plaza of Pallet Town, and nearly the entire population attended.
Surrounded by his friends and neighbors, Ash shared the joy of his victory and stories from his journey. Pikachu happily munched on special Pokémon food, occasionally letting out a cheerful "Pika-pika!" to join in the laughter.
However, amidst this sea of joy, Ash's Aura Power keenly detected several familiar, suspicious energy fluctuations lurking in the woods on the edge of the plaza.
"So, they actually showed up..." A faint, almost imperceptible smile played across Ash's lips. He had expected that those three would never miss an occasion this "lively."
He caught the eyes of Brock and Misty beside him and whispered, "Team Rocket is here. Proceed as planned."
Brock and Misty nodded knowingly. The three of them made the excuse of getting more food and temporarily left the center of the crowd.
Inside the woods, Jessie, James, and Meowth were peering through the gaps in the leaves, staring greedily at the feast and the crowd in the plaza.
"Curse it, dig it! That brat actually became the Champion and is having a feast!" Meowth licked its claws, its face full of resentment.
"So much good food... and so many Pokémon..." James swallowed hard.
"Hmph! So what if he's the Champion? It's the perfect time for Team Rocket to add a little 'spice' to his party!" Jessie stood with her hands on her hips, triumphantly plotting. "Once they're at their happiest, we'll rush out and snatch all the food and Pokémon!"
Just as they were dreaming of success, the ground beneath Jessie suddenly vanished. With a sharp "Aieee!", she tumbled into a cleverly disguised pit, landing flat on her back.
"Jessie! What happened?" James rushed forward in a panic, but he failed to notice a vine beneath his feet. It suddenly tightened, hoisting him up by his ankles and leaving him dangling upside down.
"Waaaah! Help me!"
"What's going on, meow?!" Meowth looked around in a panic, but a large net suddenly dropped from above, pinning it firmly to the ground.
"Since you've come so 'sincerely' to congratulate us," Ash's voice rang out from the edge of the woods. He, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock stepped forward, smirking playfully. "We certainly have to 'entertain' you properly."
As it turned out, Ash had used his Aura Power to locate their hiding spot long ago, and together with Brock and Misty, he had utilized the environment to set several simple traps.
"You meddling brat! Let us go, meow!" Meowth struggled inside the net.
"We were just here to deliver a 'gift'!" Jessie shouted, climbing out of the pit in a fit of rage.
"Exactly! Get us down from here!" James swung back and forth in the air.
Pikachu's cheeks crackled with electricity. "PikaCHU!" A perfectly aimed Thunderbolt struck the trio, blasting them into the air. It wasn't enough to cause serious harm, but it was certainly enough to leave an impression.
"WE'RE BLASTING OFF AGAIN!!!"
Accompanied by their familiar scream, the Team Rocket trio turned into stars in the distance once more, adding a "striking" view to Pallet Town's night sky.
The townspeople in the plaza were startled at first, but then they burst into even louder laughter, assuming it was an entertainment act for the feast.
After the feast concluded, Professor Oak found Ash.
"Ash, there is something I want to ask of you." Oak's expression was a mix of seriousness and excitement. "I received a message from Professor Ivy, who is conducting research on Valencia Island in the Orange Islands. She discovered an extremely special Poké Ball that cannot be transferred through conventional means. I'd like you, Misty, and Brock to head over there and retrieve it for me."
The Orange Islands? A special Poké Ball?
Ash's heart skipped a beat. He immediately thought of the ball that served as a central plot point for the second movie and the animethe GS Ball!
"No problem, Professor!" Ash agreed without hesitation. A new adventure was calling, and that Poké Ball clearly held a great secret. "It's a great chance for us to see a different environment and new Pokémon."
"Wonderful! Here is the map and a letter of introduction." Oak handed the items to Ash, looking at him with satisfaction. "Your journey as a Champion has only just begun. The Orange Islands have their own unique challenges waiting for you."
The next morning, Ash, Pikachu, Misty, and Brock bid farewell to Delia and their friends in Pallet Town and set off for the Orange Islands.
Their first stop was the nearest port city.
However, not long after leaving Pallet Town, as they entered a common woodland area, a burst of intense bird cries and the sound of frantic flapping caught their attention.
A short distance ahead, two groups of bird Pokémon were locked in a fierce territorial dispute. On one side were numerous, aggressive Spearow and Fearow; on the other was a relatively gentle group of Pidgey and Pidgeotto.
The Spearow group clearly held the upper hand in strength and aggression, launching constant charges that sent the Pidgey scattering. Several Pidgey had already been injured by the sharp beaks and claws of the Fearow, letting out terrified cries.
"This is too much! How can they be such bullies!" Misty, who hated seeing Water-type and Bird Pokémon bullied, spoke up in anger.
Ash's Aura Power could clearly sense the fear and helplessness of the Pidgey group, but also their determination to protect their home. He saw a wild Pidgeotto, significantly larger than its peers, struggling against a Fearow's attack. It was already injured and clearly fighting a losing battle. Nearby, several Pidgey were cornered under a tree by Spearow, shivering in fear.
"We can't just ignore this!" Ash's eyes turned cold as he pulled out two Poké Balls. "Pidgeotto, Shiny Pidgeotto, I choose you!"
Two flashes of white light appeared, and Ash's Pidgeotto stood alongside his magnificent Shiny Pidgeotto! Their sharp eyes instantly locked onto the chaotic battlefield.
"Pidgeotto, Shiny Pidgeotto, help your kin! Drive off those invaders!" Ash commanded. "Use Gust!"
Both Pidgeotto flapped their wings simultaneously. The two powerful currents of wind merged into a massive wall of air, sweeping toward the Spearow group! This sudden, overwhelming interference threw the Spearow into total disarray.
The wild Pidgeotto, which had been locked in a hard fight, saw the reinforcementsespecially the one with the brilliant, shimmering feathers. Hope ignited in its eyes, and it let out a high-pitched cry, as if calling its clan to counterattack.
Ash's commands were clear and effective:
"Shiny Pidgeotto, use your speed! Use Quick Attack to distract the lead Fearow!"
"Pidgeotto, you take on those other Spearow! Use Steel Wing!"
"Wild Pidgeotto, lead your clan! Use Sand Attack to mess with their vision!"
Under the leadership of the three powerful Pidgeotto, the previously scattered Pidgey group rallied and began an organized counter-offensive. Gust, Sand Attack, Quick Attack... various moves intertwined, and the battlefield fell into a stalemate.
However, the leader of the Spearow group, a particularly sturdy Fearow, was exceptionally fierce. It tanked the Shiny Pidgeotto's Quick Attack and forced it back with a Drill Run. Then, it turned its focus back toward the injured wild Pidgeotto leader, intending to eliminate the head of the group first. "Look out!" Ash cried.
In that moment of crisis, the Shiny Pidgeotto, which had been circling and distracting the Spearow, suddenly erupted with an intense Light of Evolution!
It had felt the crisis of its kin and the weight of its responsibility to protect them. The power it had accumulated within surged forth all at once!
"PIDGE!!!"
The dazzling white light enveloped it. Its body grew rapidly within the glow, its feathers becoming more magnificent and elegant. Most notably, the tuft of feathers on its head transformed into an incredibly brilliant, rainbow-colored crest!
When the Light of Evolution faded, a magnificent Shiny Pidgeot descended upon the battlefield!
It let out a cry that pierced the heavens, its powerful presence instantly intimidating everyone present!
"Awesome! The Shiny Pidgeotto evolved into Pidgeot!" Misty and Brock shouted in excitement.
The evolved Shiny Pidgeot's strength had skyrocketed. It spread its wings and unleashed a Sky Attack, crashing into the arrogant Fearow like a golden meteor! It was super effective!
The Fearow was decimated by the thunderous blow. It let out a pained wail as it crashed to the ground, struggling but unable to take flight again.
With their leader defeated, the Spearow group's morale collapsed. Under the combined pressure of the Shiny Pidgeot and the other Pidgeotto (including Ash's second one), they fled the area in a panic.
With the crisis resolved, the Pidgey and Pidgeotto surrounded their saviors, letting out cries of gratitude. The injured wild Pidgeotto leader walked up to the Shiny Pidgeot and bowed its head in a gesture of respect and thanks.
Looking at the jubilant Pidgey group and the way they looked at his Shiny Pidgeot with dependency, Ash understood.
This group truly lacked a powerful protector like Pidgeot.
He walked over to his Shiny Pidgeot and his other Pidgeotto, gently stroking their smooth feathers before looking at the wild Pidgeotto leader.
"I understand that your group needs a strong leader," Ash said, his voice gentle but firm. "But Pidgeot and Pidgeotto are my important partners. Their journey must continue; they can't stay here forever."
The eyes of the wild Pidgeotto and the surrounding Pidgey dimmed.
"However," Ash said, his tone shifting as a smile appeared, "we can help you train your own protector!"
Over the next few days, Ash and his group temporarily stayed in the woodland bordering Viridian Forest.
Under his direction, his Shiny Pidgeot and Pidgeotto selected a few individuals from the wild group who showed the most talent and willpower, putting them through an intensive training regime. The training covered strength, speed, move enhancement, and teamwork, aiming to rapidly boost their overall power to handle future Spearow threats.
During this training, Ash often ventured deep into the adjacent Viridian Forest to find berries and clean water for the Pokémon.
This ancient forest seemed to sense the gentle yet powerful Aura Power within him, as well as his kindness in helping its inhabitants. A vibrant energy originating from the forest itself began to quietly gather around him.
Finally, on the third day of training, the original wild Pidgeotto leader, after pushing its limits time and time again, successfully evolved into a majestic Pidgeot! It stood tall atop a tree branch, letting out a clear cry to announce the birth of a new protector.
Seeing that the group now had a reliable guardian, Ash prepared to lead his team away, feeling satisfied.
Just as they were about to step out of the woodland and say their official goodbyes, a change occurred.
The entire Viridian Forest seemed to come to life. Countless emerald-green points of light drifted out from the ancient trees and lush grass like fireflies on a summer night, gently converging toward Ash.
A massive yet gentle wave of life energy wrapped around him like warm spring water.
Ash felt a power that was similar to his Aura Power, yet different, flowing steadily into his body.
This power was filled with the vitality of nature, carrying a soothing and healing aura. It felt like the will of the entire forest expressing its gratitude and blessing toward him.
The Aura Power in his body seemed to encounter a kindred spirit, actively welcoming this new Viridian Power. The blue light of Aura and the emerald light of Viridian Power intertwined and merged within him, sparking a wondrous chemical reaction. A more powerful, deeper energy was bornone that seemed to link the very essence of life with spiritual will!
Ash closed his eyes instinctively, feeling the process of this metamorphosis. When he opened them again, a flash of blue and green light flickered within his pupils.
He raised his hand. In his palm, it was no longer pure blue Aura, but a new form of energy merged with the green of life, radiating a harmonious and powerful vibration.
[Ding! Detected that the Host has received the "Blessing of Viridian Forest." You have comprehended the special abilityViridian Power!]
[Ding! Detected the perfect fusion of Aura Power and Viridian Power. You have awakened a new state"Benevolence Form"!]
[Benevolence Form: An ascended state resulting from the fusion of Aura Power and Viridian Power, representing the supreme realm of protection and healing. In this state, the Host's Aura energy is transformed into life-infused "Healing Aura." Its characteristics are as follows:]
[Core Trait: Moonlit Healing] The Host can release a gentle yet powerful Healing Aura to rapidly restore a Pokémon's stamina, heal non-fatal injuries, and purify most status conditions (such as poison, paralysis, burns, freezing, etc.). The healing effect far exceeds conventional items and has a strong purifying effect on negative energies like shadows or curses.
[Nature Resonance] Significantly enhances affinity and the depth of spiritual communication with all Pokémon and the natural environment. In natural settings (forests, grasslands, waters, etc.), the stamina and energy recovery speeds of the Host and their Pokémon are significantly increased.
[Benevolence Barrier] Can deploy a powerful "Benevolence Barrier." This barrier focuses on energy negation and status purification, effectively defending against and neutralizing special attacks and negative status effects.
[Exclusive Moves]:
Heal Pulse: Modified: Releases a wide-range Healing Aura, restoring the condition of all allied Pokémon within a large area.
Purifying Light Rain: Channels natural energy to summon a rain of light infused with purification power, dispelling negative status effects and malice over a vast area.
Life Link: Establishes a deep life connection with a single Pokémon, significantly boosting its vitality and defense for a short time while continuously sharing a portion of its damage (which is then rapidly repaired by the Healing Aura).
He walked up to the newly evolved Pidgeot and reached out his hand. With a thought, a warm, soft blue-green glow appeared in his palm. He gently brushed it over the small scabs and fatigue left on its body from previous battles.
Under the shroud of this "Moonlit Healing," those traces vanished instantly. The exhaustion in Pidgeot's eyes was swept away, and it looked completely refreshed.
The new Pidgeot nuzzled Ash's hand affectionately, letting out a grateful and comfortable cry.
The entire Pidgey group circled and flew around him, expressing their sincerest thanks. they could feel the warm aura radiating from this human, an aura that made them feel safe and trusting.
The Shiny Pidgeot and Ash's other Pidgeotto flew back to his side. They also sensed that their Trainer's power had become gentler, deeper, and filled with compassion, making them feel exceptionally peaceful and close to him.
"Goodbye, everyone. Live well!" Ash waved to the Pidgey group, and the soft blue-green glow on his body slowly receded.
He turned and led his companions away. With the silent blessing of the Viridian Forest, they set out on their new journey.
On his shoulder, Pikachu squinted its eyes comfortably. That warm light just now had made it feel like it was bathing in moonlight. "Pika~" it chirped in satisfaction.
Ash smiled and rubbed its head. Feeling the new life-giving power centered on protection and healing within his body, his heart was filled with even more confidence for the upcoming trip to the Orange Islands.
This time, he didn't let any regrets happen. It could be considered as making up for the past!
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